Characterizing Articulation in Apraxic Speech Using Real-Time Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Area of Science:

• Neurolinguistics
• Speech Motor Control
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Apraxia of speech (AOS) presents challenges in speech production.
• Previous research relied on clinical observation and acoustic/kinematic data.

Purpose of the Study:

• To utilize real-time magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to capture and quantify aspects of apraxic speech.
• To analyze speech errors within a dynamic systems framework.

Main Methods:

• One adult male with AOS was imaged using real-time MRI during various speech tasks.
• Articulatory data were analyzed to detect speech errors.

Main Results:

• Real-time MRI identified gestural intrusion errors and silent articulation in AOS.
• The study captured multiple silent initiation gestures and covert articulation.

Conclusions:

• Real-time MRI offers high spatial resolution for observing AOS features.
• AOS involves impaired selection and temporal coordination of vocal tract gestures.